NSW Covid fourth wave peak: Covid cases to peak in NSW before Christmas
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Crucial date for when latest wave of Covid is expected to peak revealed by health chiefs as Australians heading into holiday are urged to be cautious
- Health Director Kerry Chant believes fourth peak of NSW Covid wave is near
- The state recorded 40,194 new cases in the seven days through Thursday afternoon
- Dr Chant said the ‘next week or so’ would be when covid cases would start to decline
- He urged people to maintain personal Covid safety over the Christmas holidays.
The peak of NSW’s fourth wave of Covid may be just a week away, says director of health, Kerry Chant, as transmission of the virus intensifies across the state.
NSW recorded 40,194 new cases in the seven days to Thursday afternoon, with 1,526 people hospitalized with Covid and 40 people in intensive care. Forty-eight people died from the virus during the week.
Dr. Chant said that “the next week or so” would be when cases would start to decline.
NSW health director Kerry Chant (above) believes the state’s fourth wave of covid will peak next week
Dr Chant warned people to continue taking personal safety measures against Covid with increased travel and gatherings ahead of Christmas (Sydney Airport pictured)
Families and friends should try to hold any gatherings outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces, Dr. Chant said.
“Let’s all keep doing the little things as we head into the festive season,” he said.
Dr. Chant recommended that people wear masks in crowded settings and stay home if they experience cold or flu symptoms.
He also encouraged NSW residents to make sure they were up to date on their covid vaccinations and to know if they could take antivirals if they contracted the virus.
Dr Chant encouraged people to continue wearing face masks as the number of Covid cases continues to rise (Pictured Melbourne shoppers)
“It’s really important to know if you’re eligible for antivirals because taking them right away can keep you out of the hospital if you later test positive for covid,” he said.
“Make sure you’re up to date on your vaccinations, and for those over 50 this means four doses.”
It comes as the Celebrity Eclipse cruise ship docked in Sydney on Friday morning, with hundreds of positive Covid cases leaving the ship at Circular Quay.
The ship had been classified as a level 2 covid risk by the New South Wales government, meaning it had up to 100 positive cases for every 1,000 people on board.